La Rochelle Yearbook 2024

SOCIETIES

LIBRARY REPORT (LETTER TO THE LIBRARY) When I first became a library prefect, I excitedly envisioned myself poring over old books, sharing recommendations with learners and scanning in books for my fellow readers. I have since spent a great deal of time doing one of those three things. Reviving the library was a significant undertaking. The library had not been regularly used for many years, so we had to install a new computer and program ourselves and teach ourselves how to use it. This involved learning to catalogue authors and books, print barcodes and labels, accession books, and more. We also had to sort through the masses of older books and prepare the books for covering. However, with the support we received, including many new books, we have made significant progress. The system still needs some fine-tuning, but it has come a long way. I have a profound vision for the library, which I hope to share with future prefects. I see the library not just as a place for books but as a sanctuary for every Larrie who seeks to understand herself and her place in the world. I aim to uphold the school’s rich history and contribute to its promising future by enriching the minds and souls of every Larrie who enters our doors. Erin Meyer

ROBOTIKA KLUB Voor: Jamila Shaik, Suné Krüger (Voorsitter), mnr. Quinton Meades (Afrigter), Isra Moerat (Kaptein), Amily Cupido 2de ry: Emma Coetzee, Cadence Adonis, Kendall Fortuin, Hanaan Gaffoor, Isla Williams 3rde ry: Shazana Crawley, Farynn Cupido, Isabella Smith, Aa-Iesha Moerat, Amber Siebrits, Michaela du Preez La Rochelle hosted two robotics competitions – the inaugural BrickJam and Robothon tournaments – which provided platforms for students to showcase their skills and engage in friendly competition. We look forward to these events becoming an annual landmark in the robotics calendar. ROBOTICS CLUB The robotics program experienced significant growth and achievements during the 2024 season. The number of competing teams increased from three in 2023 to five in 2024, reflecting rising interest in Robotics among students. Teams participated in notable events such as the WCED Hackathon and the World Robot Olympiad (WRO). The Senior Team, consisting of Isra Moerat, Hanaan Gaffoor, and Farynn Cupido, emerged as category winners at the WRO Western Cape South Division, qualifying them for the WRO Nationals. Their dedication and hard work were recognized with the awarding of full colours – a historic event for Robotics at La Rochelle Girls’ High. The program also emphasized the professional development of community teachers by hosting five teacher training events focused on unplugged coding, micro:bits, and LEGO robotics. These sessions aimed to equip educators with the skills necessary to teach robotics and raise the profile of robotics in the Paarl area. Additionally, the establishment of the Paarl Robotics Forum fostered collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the community.

LIBRARY PREFECTS Front: Erin Meyer (Chairlady), Mrs L Oosthuizen (Coordinator), Karli Slabbert (Deputy-Chairlady) Back: Logan Roux

114 | Hoër Meisieskool La Rochelle | Girls’ High School